Digital video camera with retractable data connector and resident software application

ABSTRACT

A digital video camera may include a digital video image sensor for capturing digital video footage to be stored on an internal memory. The digital video image sensor and internal memory may be housed in a camera body. A retractable arm having a data connector may be attached to the camera body. The arm can be extended from and retracted into the camera body, while the data connector can be used to transfer digital video footage to an external device, such as a computer. The data connector may conform to a standard for connecting peripheral devices, such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394 (IEEE 1394) standard.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/497,039, filed on Jul. 31, 2006, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to the field of digitalimaging. More particularly, an aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention relates to the field of digital video cameras.

Digital video cameras can offer many conveniences over conventionalanalog video cameras. However, some of the benefits they confer, such asthe ability to view, store, and share videos, are often limited to thosehaving a minimum level of expertise in using digital video cameras andpersonal computer systems. Realizing such benefits may also requirecomplex procedures that not all users may be willing or able to perform.

In addition to the digital video camera itself, the use of a digitalvideo camera often requires tapes, data connector cables, and additionalsoftware. Each of these additional items adds complexity to the processfor capturing digital video, downloading digital video to a computer,and sharing digital videos with others. In some cases, a data cable mustbe available before digital video can be downloaded from the digitalvideo camera. In other instances, special software must be installed ina personal computer from a compact disc (CD) or digital video disc (DVD)before digital video can be downloaded from the digital video camera.

Thus, users who wish to capture, store, and share digital videos canbenefit from a digital video camera that incorporates componentsrequired to accomplish these tasks into a single portable unit. Such asimplification can lead to both ease of use for the end-user and areduction of manufacturing costs for the manufacturer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A digital video camera may include a digital video image sensor forcapturing digital video footage to be stored on an internal memory. Thedigital video image sensor and internal memory may be housed in a camerabody. A retractable arm having a data connector may be attached to thecamera body. The arm can be extended from and retracted into the camerabody, while the data connector can be used to transfer digital videofootage to an external device, such as a computer. The data connectormay conform to a standard for connecting peripheral devices, such as theUniversal Serial Bus (USB) standard or the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers 1394 (IEEE 1394) standard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings refer to the invention in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram according to one embodiment of adigital video camera.

FIG. 2 illustrates user-manipulatable controls and interfaces in oneembodiment of a digital video camera.

FIG. 3 illustrates a digital video camera connected to a computer systemaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a retractable data connector arm according to oneembodiment of a digital video camera having a retractable data connectorarm.

FIG. 5 illustrates a retractable data connector arm according to oneembodiment of a digital video camera having a retractable data connectorarm.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for composing a digital video disc (DVD)containing digital video footage.

While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternativeforms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example inthe drawings and will herein be described in detail. The inventionshould be understood to not be limited to the particular formsdisclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth,such as examples of specific functions, named components, connections,protocols, compression standards, etc., in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well knowncomponents or methods have not been described in detail but rather in ablock diagram in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presentinvention. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary.The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to bewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In general, a digital video camera may include a digital video imagesensor for capturing digital video footage to be stored on an internalmemory. The digital video image sensor and internal memory may be housedin a camera body. A retractable arm having a data connector may beattached to the camera body. The arm can be extended from and retractedinto the camera body, while the data connector can be used to transferdigital video footage to an external device, such as a computer. Theretractable arm is an external plug that may be rigid or semi-flexiblethat easily plugs into an external device and easily retracts into thecamera body. The data connector may conform to a standard for connectingperipheral devices, such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard,or a similar standard.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a block diagram of a digital videocamera 100. The digital video camera 100 may have a digital video imagesensor 103, such as 1280×1024 Pixel Complementary Metal OxideSemiconductor (CMOS) sensor or a Charge Coupled Device (CCD); aninternal volatile memory 133 for code execution and temporary videocontent capture, such as 32 megabytes of Synchronous Dynamic RandomAccess Memory (SDRAM); an internal volatile memory 132 for dataprocessing, and an internal non-volatile memory for data storage 131 tostore the captured digital video data. Digital video camera 100 may alsohave an internal non-volatile memory 134 for storage of firmware andsettings; a central processor 101, such as a micro-controller, an ASIC,or other processor; a data connector 110, such as a Universal Serial Bus(USB) or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface; a digital view finder 106; a status display 105, such as aliquid crystal display (LCD); a power supply 114, such as batteries; anaudio indicator 116, such as a speaker; optical components 104; amicrophone and audio sensor 128; a ready/recording indicator 107; andinterface buttons 120.

The digital video image sensor 103 may convert an optical image filmedby the camera into a data array. The optical components 104, which mayinclude a lens, project the actual images onto the digital video imagesensor 103 to convert the analog images into an array of digitalinformation. The digital video image sensor 103 quantifies the variableshades of light focused on the digital video image sensor 103 by theoptical components 104 into data arrays representing a discrete numberof colors. In one embodiment, the digital video image sensor is at leastcapable of operation between night-time or dusk conditions and brighterlight conditions such as 10 lux to 10,000 lux, where 1 lux is a measureof illumination equivalent to 1 lumen per square meter. The digitalvideo image sensor may be capable of operating in lighting conditionsdimmer than 10 lux and brighter than 10,000 lux. The digital video imagesensor 103 may also contain an ASIC to provide several optional featuressuch as automatic exposure adjustment, automatic white balance, andautomatic gamma compensation. The automatic exposure adjustment changesthe light sensitivity of digital video image sensor 103 depending uponthe lighting conditions. The automatic white balance balances the hue ofthe color spectrum represented in the data array.

The image capturing components, including the digital video image sensor103 and the optical components 104, may be capable of capturing largeand rapid sequences of photos such as 30 frames per second or more overany period of time. The digital video image sensor 103 may either be aCMOS sensor, CCD sensor, or other similar sensor to support this framerate. The microphone and audio sensor 108 captures the soundcorresponding to the captured images. The microphone and audio sensor108 and the digital video image sensor 103 combine to supply thecaptured video content to the central processor 101. The digital videocamera 100 may capture a very rapid succession of still images and storea soundtrack synchronized with the images.

When the video content is captured in a digital form, the video contentis easily compressible to store or transfer the video content,modifiable to enhance the quality of the final video product, andtransferable within the digital video camera 100 and to componentsexternal to the digital video camera 100.

The internal memory components are used to both store the video streamof data as well as to develop the video stream of data. The internalmemory components are also used during execution of code necessary tooperate the digital video camera 100. Digital video camera 100 maycontain multiple types of internal memory components, each typecustomized for a different purpose and cost. The two main types ofinternal memory may include volatile memory, such as synchronous dynamicrandom access memory (SDRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), andnon-volatile memory, such as flash memory and write-once memory. Thenon-volatile memory for data storage 131, such as a portion of a harddisk or a flash memory module, and the non-volatile memory for firmwareand settings 134 are examples of non-volatile memories. Volatile memoryfor data processing 132 and volatile memory for code execution 133 areexamples of volatile memories.

The non-volatile memory for data storage 131 may be used in the digitalvideo camera 100 to store any type of data. For example, thenon-volatile memory 131 may be used to store digital video footagecaptured using the digital video image sensor 103, thumbnail filesassociated with digital video files, or a resident software application.The non-volatile memory 131 can also store still photo files, audiofiles, or any other type of data. In one embodiment, the non-volatilememory 131 may include non-volatile memory such as a 512 megabyte NANDflash memory module or another type of flash memory module, so that thecontents of the non-volatile memory 131 are preserved even when no poweris being supplied to the non-volatile memory 131. The non-volatilememory 131 may also utilize storage technologies besides flash memorytechnology. For instance, the non-volatile memory 131 could also beimplemented by a hard disk drive or optical media such as a writable CDor DVD. In one embodiment, the non-volatile memory 131 may be removablefrom the digital video camera 100. A user can then change the capacityor the content of memory available to the digital video camera 100. Inother embodiments, the non-volatile memory 131 may not be removable fromthe digital camera 100. In a digital video camera 100 having anon-removable non-volatile memory 131, the use of the digital videocamera 100 is simplified because non-volatile memory 131 will always beavailable for storage of digital video footage or other data.

The central processor 101 may execute the firmware instructions storedin the non-volatile memory 134 and copy the instructions to the volatilememory 133 for execution. The central processor 101 controls theoperation of the digital video camera 100. The central processor 101also has logic to process the stream of data that is generated by theimage and audio capturing components and transform the captured videocontent into a pre-defined file structure. The central processor 101 mayalso use portions of the volatile memory 132 to convert the raw datainto captured video content in a proprietary or a standard video fileformat, such as Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) MPEG-1, MPEG-2,MPEG-4, or Motion Joint Photographic Experts Group (M-JPEG). Thecompression logic 102 may compress the video data prior to the storingof the captured video data in the non-volatile memory 131.

The compression logic 102 may use video and audio compression techniquessuch as variants of Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG), Motion JointPhotographic Experts Group (M-JPEG), Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) orsimilar compression standards. The compression logic 102 may compressvideo and audio data by compression of composed video images,compression of three video channels (R, G, B), compression of raw sensordata in separate video channels (R, G1, B, G2), down sampling theframe-rate of a video stream, or by conducting other similar compressiontechniques.

The data connector 110 may facilitate communications between thecomponents internal to the digital video camera 100 and devices externalto the digital video camera 100. Communication components at the dataconnector 110 may include controllers and a circuit to allow data fromthe non-volatile memory for data storage 131 to be transferred to one ormore external devices. The data may be transferred according to acommunication protocol such as IEEE 1394, USB 1 or 2, MicroWire, orother communication protocol. The data transfer process may also includedata compression, encryption, and decryption processes.

The digital viewfinder 106 allows a user to frame a scene to be capturedas digital video footage. A user can also use the digital viewfinder 106to view the scene while the capture is taking place. The display of thedigital viewfinder 106 also allows the user to review video data thathas been recorded in the non-volatile memory for data storage 131. Thus,the digital viewfinder 106 may be used for both targeting the subject ofthe video capture as well as reviewing the captured data. The digitalviewfinder 106 may be an active electronic component such as an activematrix or reflective liquid crystal display (LCD). The playback displayportion of the digital viewfinder 106 may be a higher qualitymulti-shade display capable of showing dual-tone or full color picturesand/or video segments. The digital video camera 100 may also have anoptical viewfinder (not shown) implemented using a set of lenses andoptical elements.

The status display 105 visually communicates information, such asdisplaying current camera status, remaining recording time, batterylevel, low lighting conditions, and other similar information. Thestatus display 105 may include an LCD, which may be an ultra low-energyconsumption black and white segment-based display that shows pre-definedsymbols and patterns.

Ready/recording indicator 107 may also visually communicate information,such as ready state and recording mode information to a user. Theready/recording indicator 107, for instance, may include a lightemitting diode (LED) which can be lit, blinking, or off, depending onwhether the camera is either ready to begin recording or currentlyrecording.

The digital video camera 100 may have a camera body made from aninternal casing 141 and an external casing 140. The casings 141 and 140protect the digital video camera during handling and use. The internalcasing 141 may contain the electronic components associated with thedigital video camera 100. The external casing 140 may be a hard shelldesigned to protect the digital video camera 100. A layer of protectivematerial, such as Styrofoam, may exist between parts of the internalcasing 141 and external casing 140.

The power supply 114 supplies power for all of the components within thedigital video camera 100, however, once the video content is capturedand stored in the non-volatile memory for data storage 131, then thepower supply 114 is no longer required to maintain the captured videodata. The power supply 114 may contain several circuits with differentpower requirements. The power supply 114 may include any type ofbattery, single-use or rechargeable, or may be an external alternatingcurrent (AC) or direct current (DC) power source.

The interface buttons 120 may include physical buttons such as a powerbutton 121 for enabling power supply 114; a delete button 122 fordeleting data from the non-volatile memory for data storage 131; arecord button 123 for beginning capture of digital video footage whenthe digital video camera 100 is in a ready state, and ending capture ofdigital video footage when the digital video camera 100 is in arecording state; and a play button 124 for playing digital video footagefrom non-volatile memory 131. The interface buttons 120 may also includea previous button 125, a next button 126, a zoom in/volume up button127, and a zoom out/volume down button 128. The previous 125, next 126,zoom in/volume up 127, and zoom out/volume down 128 buttons may belocated on a four-position rocker switch. The previous button 125 andthe next button 126 can be used to select one of several digital videofiles stored on the non-volatile memory 131 for playback or deletion.The zoom in/volume up button 127 and the zoom out/volume down button 128may operate as soft-key buttons, which can have different functionsdepending on a mode in which the digital camera 100 is operating. Forexample, while the digital video camera 100 is playing back content, thezoom in/volume up button 127 can be used to increase the audio volume.Otherwise, the zoom in/volume up button 127 can be used to increase theapparent focal length, or zoom, of an image being captured or viewed onthe digital viewfinder 106. Likewise, the zoom out/volume down button128 can operate to either decrease the audio volume during playback ordecrease the apparent focal length of an image being captured or viewed.

The non-volatile memory for firmware 134 may store firmware instructionsfor functional features that provide the consumer with a better usageexperience. The firmware allows a user to perform various actionsrelated to the capture, playback, and deletion of digital video footage.For instance, the firmware begins the capture of digital video footageupon detecting a press of the record button 123 while the camera is in aready state and ends the capture of digital video footage when therecord button 123 is pressed while the digital camera 100 is recording.The firmware may also allow a user to select from digital video filesstored in the non-volatile memory for data storage 131 using theprevious button 125 and the next button 126. The firmware may furtherallow the user to play back a selected digital video clip by pressingthe play button 124, or to delete a selected digital video clip from thenon-volatile memory 131 by pressing the delete button 122. Upon deletionof a digital video clip from the non-volatile memory 131, the firmwaremay recalculate and display the remaining time available for recording,based on the available space in the non- volatile memory 131. Thefirmware thus maximizes the utility of the available non-volatile memory131 capacity, since a user can delete unwanted digital video footage orother data to make room for additional digital video footage or otherdata. The firmware may also provide other features such as a timerfunction. In one embodiment, the timer function implemented by thefirmware can cause the digital video camera 100 to wait for apredetermined time before automatically capturing a digital video cliphaving a pre-defined duration. For example, the digital video camera 100may automatically record fifteen seconds of video after ten second delayfollowing activation of the timer function.

The firmware may also automatically generate a thumbnail imageassociated with each digital video file stored in the non-volatilememory for data storage 131. The thumbnail file may also be stored inthe non-volatile memory 131 and may be used by the firmware to representdigital video files in the digital viewfinder interface, on a televisionscreen, or on a display associated with an external device. Thethumbnail files can be used in this way to suggest the content ofdigital video files to a user. Thumbnail files may also be similarlygenerated and used by a resident software application stored in thenon-volatile memory for data storage 131.

The digital video camera 100 may also capture high quality still imagesinstead of a digital video clip. For example, a single high-resolutionstill photo shot may occupy as much memory as 15 seconds of digitalvideo footage in the non-volatile memory for data storage 131. Thedigital camera 100 may also record an audio segment associated with astill photo shot, and store the audio segment in the non-volatile memory131.

FIG. 2 illustrates user-manipulatable controls and interfaces in oneembodiment of a digital video camera. As illustrated in FIG. 2, oneembodiment of a digital video camera can include an external casing 200of the camera body, a digital viewfinder 201, a data connector 203attached to an arm 202, and an audio indicator 229. The digital videocamera may also have interface buttons including a power button 221, adelete button 222, a record button 223, and a play button 224. Theinterface buttons may also include a previous button 225, a next button226, a zoom in/volume up button 227, and a zoom out/volume down button228, which may be located on a four-position rocker switch. The digitalvideo camera may also be connected to a television 211 throughtelevision connector 210, such that digital video or other images can bedisplayed on the television 211.

One embodiment of a digital video camera includes an external casing 200that is designed to enclose the internal components of the digital videocamera. External casing 200 may also be designed to address suchconsiderations as ease of use and durability. For instance, externalcasing 200 may be sized so that the digital video camera can fit easilyinto a user's pocket. External casing 200 may also be manufactured froma hard plastic, metal, or other durable material to improve durabilityof the digital video camera. In an embodiment where external casing 200is manufactured from a durable material, external casing 200 can protectthe internal components of the digital video camera from physical shock,moisture, and other harmful elements.

In one embodiment of a digital video camera, arm 202 is permanentlyattached to the camera body. Arm 202 may have a data connector 203. Thearm 202 and data connector 203 assembly can retract into the camerabody, or extend from the camera body. When extended, the dimensions ofthe arm 202 and data connector 203 assembly provide sufficient clearanceso that the data connector 203 can be inserted directly into anappropriate receptacle on an external device such as a computer systemor a processing station. After the data connector 203 has thus connectedthe digital video camera to the external device, data can be transferredthrough the data connector 203 from the internal memory of the digitalvideo camera to the external device.

In one embodiment of a digital video camera, an audio indicator 229 maybe located on or near the surface of the external casing 200. The audioindicator 229 may include a speaker or piezoelectric device. Theposition of the audio indicator in one embodiment can be selected sothat sound from the audio indicator 229 is directed towards the optimalposition for a user to view the digital viewfinder 201. Thus, a user inthe best position to view video content on the digital viewfinder 201would also be in the best position to hear the corresponding sound fromthe audio indicator 229. The audio indicator 229, in one embodiment, mayplay sound from audio data associated with digital video footage. Audioindicator 229 may also play sound from other types of audio data, suchas audio data associated with a still photo shot, or audio data that isnot associated with any still images or video content.

One embodiment of a digital video camera includes a set of interfacebuttons. These may include buttons such as a power button 221 forenabling power supply 114, a delete button 222 for deleting data fromthe digital video camera's non-volatile memory 131, a record button 223for beginning and ending capture of digital video footage, and a playbutton 224 for playing digital video footage, playing audio, or viewingimages from the digital video camera's non-volatile memory 131. Theinterface buttons may also include a previous button 225, a next button226, a zoom in/volume up button 227, and a zoom out/volume down button228. The previous 225, next 226, zoom in/volume up 227, and zoomout/volume down 228 buttons may be located on a four-position rockerswitch. In one embodiment, the interface buttons are positioned andsized to facilitate one-handed operation of the digital video camera.For example, the interface buttons may be centrally located andsufficiently large so that all of the buttons are accessible to a user'shand that is holding the digital video camera. In one embodiment, theinterface buttons are arranged so that the digital video camera can beheld and used in a vertical orientation.

One embodiment of a digital video camera provides that a televisionconnector 210 can be plugged into the digital video camera. Televisionconnector 210 then allows the transmission of a signal from the digitalvideo camera to a television 211 which may be connected to the other endof the television connector 210. The digital video camera may transmitanalog or digital signals through television connector 210 to facilitatethe display of data from the digital video camera's internal memory onthe screen of the television 211. The digital video camera may alsotransmit signals corresponding to images from the digital video sensor.In one embodiment, television 211 may assume some or all of thefunctions of the digital viewfinder 201. The digital video camera mayfurther display a user interface on the screen of the television 211. Auser may then be able to interact with the user interface displayed onthe screen of television 211 by manipulating the interface buttons ofthe digital video camera. In an embodiment of a digital video camerathat provides for a connection to a television 211 through a televisionconnector 210, a user may be able to view digital video footage storedon the digital video camera's non-volatile memory for data storage onthe screen of television 211. The user may also be able to use thetelevision 211 to frame a scene to be captured as digital video footage,or to view an ongoing capture of digital video footage on the television211.

FIG. 3 illustrates a digital video camera connected to a computer systemaccording to one embodiment. After using the digital video camera 301 tocapture digital video footage, a user can extend the data connector arm302, which may be a rigid arm having an attached data connector. Oncethe data connector arm 302 is in the extended position, the dataconnector can be used to attach the digital video camera 301 directly toan external device 300. As illustrated in FIG. 3, digital video camera301 is connected through data connector arm 302 to external device 300.External device 300 is a device external to the body of the digitalvideo camera. In one embodiment, external device 300 is a computersystem such as a personal computer (PC). External device 300 can also bea download and processing station such as an in-store kiosk where videofootage can be viewed, edited, or recorded on a digital video disc (DVD)or other media.

In one embodiment, the external device 300 can detect when a connectionis made between the digital video camera 301 and the external device300. For instance, the data connector arm 302 may conform to a datatransfer protocol such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol thatspecifies mechanisms for detecting when such a connection has beenestablished.

After the digital video camera 301 is connected to the external device300, the digital video camera 301 may identify itself to the externaldevice 300 as a mass storage device, such as a removable disk drive or acompact disc (CD) drive. In one embodiment, for instance, a digitalvideo camera 301 plugged into a PC may identify itself as a removabledisk drive to an operating system running on the PC. The operatingsystem can then treat the internal memory of the digital video camera301 like any other removable disk. The internal memory of the digitalvideo camera 301 may also be formatted using a file system formatcompatible with the operating system. For example, the non-volatilememory for data storage of a digital video camera 301 to be used with aPC may be formatted according to the New Technology File System (NTFS)or File Allocation Table (FAT) file system formats so that datacontained on the non-volatile memory is accessible to an operatingsystem such as a Windows® operating system. The user can then access thecontents in the non-volatile memory of digital video camera 301 in thesame manner as any other removable disk, using the standard operatingsystem interface.

The digital video camera 301 may allow the user to have full access tothe contents of the internal memory, or the digital video camera 301 mayrestrict the user's access to the contents of the internal memory insome way. In some embodiments, for example, the digital video camera 301may identify itself as a CD drive. The user may then have read-onlyaccess to the non-volatile memory of the digital video camera 301. Insome embodiments, the internal memory may be partitioned so that a usercan have full access to part of the internal memory while havingread-only access to another part of the internal memory. For example,the camera's non-volatile memory for data storage may be divided intotwo partitions, where one partition is identified to the operatingsystem as a CD drive, and the other partition is identified as aremovable disk drive. The operating system may then allow only readaccess for the partition identified as a CD drive while allowing readand write access for the partition identified as a removable disk drive.The digital video camera 301 may also employ other methods forrestricting access to data stored in its internal memory.

In one embodiment where a digital video camera 301 behaves like ageneral-purpose mass storage device, a user may also upload data filesto the internal memory. The uploaded data can then interact with theinterface of the digital video camera 301. For example, a user mayconnect digital video camera 301 to a PC, then upload digital videofiles from the PC to the camera. The user may then use the interface ofthe digital video camera 301 to view the uploaded videos on the screenof digital video camera 301. In other embodiments, a user may storeother types of data files, such as audio or still image files, in theinternal memory and interact with the files in a similar manner by usingthe camera's interface. A user may also wish to store data files on theinternal memory for other reasons, such as backup or transfer to anothercomputer system.

In one embodiment, a resident software application is stored in thenon-volatile memory for data storage of the digital video camera 301.When a connection between the digital video camera 301 and the externaldevice 300 is detected, an operating system running on external device300 may automatically execute the resident software application. Forexample, a Windows® operating system may be configured to check thecontents of the non-volatile memory of the digital video camera 301 foran “autoplay.inf” file upon detecting a connection between the digitalvideo camera 301 and the external device 300. The “autoplay.inf” filethen directs the operating system to the resident software application,which is stored in the non-volatile memory of digital video camera 301.The operating system of the external device 300 then executes theresident software application.

Upon execution, the resident software application may check the externaldevice 300 to determine if required software components are available,then install the software components in the external device 300 if thesoftware components are not available on the external device 300. Forexample, the resident software application may determine if certaincompression-decompression algorithms (codecs) are available on theexternal device 300. If the resident software application determinesthat the codecs are not available on the external device 300, theresident software application may then automatically install the codecson the external device 300 without additional user intervention. Inother embodiments, the resident software application may wait forverification from a user before installing the software components. Theresident software application may also install other software componentssuch as software libraries or application files. The resident software,in one embodiment, may also cause data to be written to memory in theexternal device 300 for tracking purposes. For instance, the residentsoftware may add entries or keys to the registry of a computer runningthe Windows® operating system so that upon a subsequent connection tothe same computer, the resident software application can simply checkthe registry entries or keys to determine which codecs or softwarecomponents were previously installed.

In one embodiment, the resident software application may produce agraphical user interface (GUI) 310 on a display associated with theexternal device 300. The GUI 310 may present a user with graphicalcontrols to help the user to perform various tasks. Such tasks mayinclude saving digital video files from the non-volatile memory of thedigital video camera 301 to memory accessible to the external device300, playing digital video footage, deleting data from the non-volatilememory of the digital video camera 301, and attaching a digital videoclip to an email message. For purposes of illustration, FIG. 3 depicts aplay control 311, an email control 312, a save control, 313, and adelete control 314, which help a user to perform these tasks.

The resident software application may perform a save function inresponse to a user selecting the save control 313. In one embodiment,the resident software application saves data, which may be digital videofootage, from the non-volatile memory of the digital video camera 301 tomemory accessible to the external device 300. The resident softwareapplication may also copy files from a host computer into the internalmemory of the camcorder (with internal memory or plug in memory cards).Thus, the GUI 310 allows the user to copy files onto the camcorder,through the arm, either for viewing on the camcorder, for taking themfor processing on the server, or similar function. The GUI 310 allowsthe user to copy files of any other file type (pictures, music, etc.)into the internal memory of the camcorder.

The resident software application may perform a delete function inresponse to a user selecting the delete control 314 by removing datafrom the non-volatile memory of the digital video camera 301. Theresident software application may also have the capability to deletedata from the memory of the external device 300.

The resident software application may play digital video footage inresponse to a user's selection of the play control 311. The residentsoftware may play the software by executing its own code to decompress,decode, and display the digital video footage, or the resident softwaremay direct a separate application to display the digital video footage.The digital video footage played by the resident software applicationmay be stored in the non-volatile memory of the digital video camera 302or any other memory accessible to the external device 300.

The resident software application may, in response to a user's selectionof the email control 312, prepare an email message having an attacheddigital video clip. For instance, a user may wish to share a digitalvideo clip with a contact by sending the digital video clip to thecontact through email. The resident software application may compressthe digital video clip so that the file size of the digital video clipdoes not exceed a predetermined limit. For instance, the residentsoftware application may apply an appropriate level of compression to adigital video clip to reduce the file size of the video clip so that itdoes not exceed 10 megabytes. The reduced file size allows the digitalvideo clip to be attached to an email and more easily transmitted over acomputer network having limited bandwidth. The predetermined limit forthe file size may be set by a camera provider, such as a manufacturer,distributor, or retailer of the digital video camera, or thepredetermined limit may be specified by the user. The resident softwareapplication may also compress a digital video clip to meet othercriteria, such as a desired bit rate or image quality. As with thepredetermined file size limit, the compression levels associated withthese criteria may be set by a camera provider or by the user. Theresident software application may compress a digital video clipaccording to a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) MPEG-1, MPEG-2,MPEG-4, Motion Joint Photographic Experts Group (M-JPEG) standard oranother standard for encoding digital video files.

The resident software application may then invoke an email client tocreate a new email message to which the compressed digital video file isattached. The email client may be a separate application installed onthe external device, or may also be part of the resident softwareapplication. In one embodiment, the resident software application maydetect a pre-existing installation of an email client on the externaldevice 300. After the pre-existing installation of the email client hasbeen detected, the resident software application locates and executes anexecutable file of the installed email client. In one embodiment, theresident software application then uses the Messaging ApplicationProgramming Interface (MAPI) to interface with the email client. In oneembodiment, the resident software application may thus create an emailmessage and attach a digital video file to the email message withoutadditional prompting by the user. After the resident softwareapplication invokes the email client to create a new email message towhich the digital video clip is attached, the user may be given anopportunity to address the email message or complete other fields in theemail message such as the subject line and message body. The user canthen send the email.

In one embodiment, the resident software application may upload thedigital video clip to a remote server in response to a user's selectionof the email control 312. The resident software application can theninvoke the email client to create a new message and embeds in the newmessage a link to the location of the digital video clip on the remoteserver. Thus, a user can simply send a link to the digital video clipinstead of having to send the digital video clip.

FIG. 4 illustrates a retractable data connector arm according to oneembodiment of a digital video camera having a retractable data connectorarm. Camera body 400 contains an actuation mechanism for extending andretracting the data connector arm that includes a sliding latch 420; alatch spring 421; a latch lock 430, which rotates about latch lock axis431; and an arm spring 413. The actuation mechanism allows for the dataconnector arm to extend sufficiently beyond the camera body 400 so thatthe data connector 411 may be connected to an external device, such as acomputer. The data connector arm includes an arm 410 that can rotateabout swivel axis 412, which is perpendicular to insertion axis 417; adata connector 411, which can be inserted into a device external tocamera body 500 in a direction parallel to insertion axis 417; and alocking mechanism which may be implemented using ball bearing 414 andwedge 415. Data connector 411 may conform to the physical formrequirements of a standard such as the USB standard, the IEEE 1394standard, or another similar standard for a data transfer protocol.

When the data connector arm, which includes the arm 410 and the dataconnector 411, is in a retracted position, the data connector arm iscontained within the camera body 400. When the data connector arm is inthe retracted position, sliding latch 420 is in a raised position and isheld in place against the arm 410 with pressure supplied by latch spring421. Sliding latch 420, while in the raised position, prevents the dataconnector arm from swiveling out from the camera body 400. While in theretracted position, the data connector arm also bears against latch lock430.

During operation of the actuation mechanism, a user may slide thesliding latch 420 against the pressure of latch spring 421 and away fromthe data connector arm until the data connector arm is no longer blockedby sliding latch 420. The data connector arm is then free to swivel outfrom the camera body with pressure from arm spring 413. A frictionlocking mechanism may be implemented with a ball bearing 414, whichmaintains its position relative to the camera body 400 and bears againstthe data connector arm with pressure supplied from a spring (not shown),and a wedge 415, which rotates with the arm. When the data connector armis moved into extended position 416, the ball bearing 414 slides overthe wedge 415 to lock the data connector arm in the extended position.

A user moving sliding latch 420 away from the data connector arm torelease the data connector arm also moves the top of sliding latch 420beyond the lower end of the latch lock 430. The data connector arm,having rotated outward, no longer bears against latch lock 430. Latchlock 430 is then free to swivel slightly outward about latch lock axis431 so that the lower edge of latch lock 430 prevents sliding latch 420from moving back into the raised position. Sliding latch 420 is thuslocked into a lowered position by latch lock 430 so that the dataconnector arm can be later retracted.

When the data connector arm is in an extended position 416, a user mayretract the data connector arm back into the camera body 400 by pushingthe data connector arm back into the camera body 400 against thepressure of arm spring 413 and with sufficient force to overcome thefriction locking mechanism. The data connector arm then rotates backinto the camera body 400, rotating about swivel axis 412. As the dataconnector enters the camera body 400, the data connector arm pushesaside latch lock 430 so that the bottom end of latch lock 430 no longerbears against the top of sliding latch 420. Sliding latch 420 is thenfree to move into the raised position with pressure from latch spring421, where it once again prevents the data connector arm from swivelingout from the camera body 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a retractable data connector arm according to oneembodiment of a digital video camera having a retractable data connectorarm. Contained within camera body 500 is an actuation mechanism forextending and retracting the data connector arm. The actuation mechanismmay include a spring 503, a sliding member 504, and a locking mechanism505. The data connector arm may include an arm 501, which is attached todata connector 502. Data connector 502 can be inserted into a deviceexternal to the camera body in a direction parallel to insertion axis506. Data connector 502 may conform to the physical form requirements ofa standard such as the USB standard, the IEEE 1394 standard, or anothersimilar standard for a data transfer protocol.

In a retracted position, the data connector arm, including arm 501 anddata connector 502, is contained within the camera body 500. A user mayextend the data connector arm by moving the sliding member 504, which isattached to the data connector arm, so that the data connector armextends from the camera body 500 in a direction parallel to insertionaxis 506. In one embodiment, the extension of the data connector arm isaided by spring 503. In other embodiments, the spring 503 is notpresent. When the data connector arm is fully extended, a lockingmechanism 505 may lock the data connector arm in the extended position.From the extended position, the data connector arm may be retracted backinto the camera body 500 by releasing the locking mechanism 505 andmoving the sliding member 504 so that the data connector arm moves intothe camera body 500 in a direction parallel to insertion axis 506.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for recording a digital video disc (DVD)containing digital video footage. A digital camera as described in theabove embodiments can be used to create a DVD containing digital videofootage. In one embodiment, the recording of a DVD 605 is preceded bythe collection and preparation of data to be recorded on the DVD. Thesetasks include getting digital video footage from the digital videocamera 603, selecting portions of the digital video files using analysissoftware 601, compiling the selected portions into a compilation video602, and getting the resident software application 604.

Getting digital video footage from the digital video camera 603 may beaccomplished by plugging a data connector arm of the digital videocamera into and external device, then transferring the digital imagedata from the non-volatile memory of the digital video camera to thememory of the external device. Getting the digital video footage 603 mayalso be accomplished by merely making the non-volatile memory of thedigital video camera accessible to the external device. Once the digitalvideo footage is accessible to the external device, the digital videofootage is ready to be recorded onto the DVD 605.

Once the digital video footage from the digital video camera isavailable to the external device, analysis software can be used toselect portions of the digital video files 601. The analysis softwaremay select portions of digital video files based on the content of theportions. For instance, the analysis software may select portions of thedigital video files having a certain amount of motion or a certainminimum image quality. The analysis software may also select portions ofthe digital video files based on other criteria. The portions selectedby the analysis software may be subsequently compiled into a compilationvideo 602. When the finished compilation video is available to theexternal device, then the compilation video is ready to be recorded ontothe DVD 605.

Getting the resident software application 604 may be accomplished simplyby making the resident software application available to the externaldevice. The resident software application can be a software applicationthat generates a graphical user interface. The resident software may bea program that when executed on an external device facilitates saving adigital video clip as a video file in the external device, emailing thedigital video clip, and deleting the digital video clip from thenon-volatile memory. In one embodiment, the resident softwareapplication can be obtained from the internal memory of the digitalvideo camera. In other embodiments, a copy of the resident softwareapplication may also be maintained in a memory of the external device,and thus be available to the external device. When the resident softwareapplication is available to the external device, the resident softwareapplication is ready to be recorded to the DVD 605.

When all of the data to be recorded to the DVD has been made availableto the external device, the DVD can be recorded 605. In one embodiment,the DVD is recorded by a DVD drive attached to the external device.Since the data to be recorded to the DVD is available to the externaldevice, the external device is able to transfer the necessary data,which may include compilation videos, digital video footage, and aresident software application, to the DVD drive for recording. Theresulting DVD can then be used to play back or share the digital videofootage contained on the DVD. If a resident software application isincluded on the DVD, the resident software application may facilitatethe playing and sharing of the digital video footage.

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of theprinciples of the invention. It will be apparent to one who is skilledin the art that many other variations and modifications can be made tothe above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. The scope of the invention is therefore to beinterpreted in accord with the limits set forth by the appended claims.

1. A digital video camera comprising: a central processor; a digitalvideo image sensor coupled to the central processor, wherein the digitalvideo image sensor is configured to capture digital video footage; alens optically coupled to the digital video image sensor; a memorycoupled to the central processor and configured to store the digitalvideo footage captured by the digital video image sensor; a microphonecoupled to the central processor; a speaker coupled to the centralprocessor, wherein the speaker is configured to produce sound associatedwith the digital video footage; a digital viewfinder coupled to thecentral processor, wherein the digital viewfinder is configured todisplay images associated with the digital video footage; a power supplycoupled to the central processor, wherein the power supply is configuredto supply power to the central processor; a digital video camera bodyhousing at least the central processor and the digital video imagesensor; a rigid arm permanently attached to the digital video camerabody and configured to swivel about an axis in a first direction and asecond direction opposite the first direction; a USB data connectorattached to the rigid arm; a spring mechanism configured to bias therigid arm so that the rigid arm moves about the axis to an extendedposition configured for coupling to a personal computer having a USBport; a playback button configured to enable viewing of the digitalvideo footage from the memory; a delete button configured to enabledeletion of the captured digital video footage from the memory; a recordbutton configured to control capturing of the digital video footage; anda power button on the digital video camera body configured to cause thedigital video camera to turn on.
 2. The digital video camera of claim 1wherein: the rigid arm is capable of being in an extended position whenthe digital video camera is coupled to the USB port of the personalcomputer; and the rigid arm is capable of being in a retracted positionwhen the digital video camera is not coupled to the USB port of thepersonal computer.
 3. The digital video camera of claim 1 wherein thememory comprises a non-volatile internal memory.
 4. The digital videocamera of claim 1 wherein the memory comprises a removable memory. 5.The digital video camera of claim 1 wherein the USB data connector isconfigured to transfer the digital video footage from the digital videocamera to the personal computer via the USB port of the personalcomputer.
 6. The digital video camera of claim 1 wherein the personalcomputer is configured to access the internal memory of the digitalvideo camera using the personal computer when the personal computer isconnected to the digital video camera.
 7. The digital video camera ofclaim 1 wherein the digital video camera body also houses the memory. 8.The digital video camera of claim 1 further comprising a residentsoftware application stored in an internal memory in the digital videocamera, wherein the resident software application contains code scriptedto install compression-decompression software in the personal computerupon connection of the USB connector to the personal computer.
 9. Thedigital video camera of claim 8 wherein the memory and the internalmemory are a same memory.
 10. The digital video camera of claim 8wherein the internal memory in the digital video camera furthercomprises code to decompress, decode, and display the digital videofootage.
 11. The digital video camera of claim 8 further comprising anemail client configured to create an email message with the digitalvideo footage attached to the email message, wherein the email client isstored in the internal memory in the digital video camera or in thepersonal computer.
 12. The digital video camera of claim 11 furthercomprising software code scripted to create a thumbnail image associatedwith a digital video file, wherein the software code is stored in theinternal memory.
 13. The digital video camera of claim 1 wherein thedigital video camera also comprises zoom in and zoom out controls on thecamera body.
 14. The digital video camera of claim 1 wherein the digitalvideo camera also comprises volume up and volume down controls on thecamera body.
 15. The digital video camera of claim 1 wherein the digitalvideo camera further comprises a rocker switch having soft-key functionsdetermined by a mode in which the digital video camera is operating. 16.The digital video camera of claim 1 wherein the personal computercomprises a display screen with a graphical user interface.
 17. Thedigital video camera of claim 1 wherein the digital video camera furthercomprises a sliding latch coupled to the digital video camera body. 18.The digital video camera of claim 17 wherein the digital video camerafurther comprises a latch spring configured to apply pressure to thesliding latch.
 19. The digital video camera of claim 18 wherein thesliding latch is configured to house at least a portion of the USB dataconnector.
 20. A system comprising: a personal computer having a USBport; and a digital video camera comprising: a central processor; adigital video image sensor coupled to the central processor, wherein thedigital video image sensor is configured to capture digital videofootage; a lens optically coupled to the digital video image sensor; amemory coupled to the central processor; a microphone coupled to thecentral processor; a speaker coupled to the central processor, whereinthe speaker is configured to produce sound associated with the digitalvideo footage; a digital viewfinder coupled to the central processor,wherein the digital viewfinder is configured to display imagesassociated with the digital video footage; a power supply coupled to thecentral processor; a digital video camera body housing at least thecentral processor and the digital video image sensor; a rigid armpermanently attached to the digital video camera body and configured toswivel about an axis in a first direction and a second directionopposite the first direction; a USB data connector attached to the rigidarm; a spring mechanism configured to bias the rigid arm so that therigid arm moves about the axis to an extended position configured forcoupling to the USB port of the personal computer; a playback button; adelete button; a record button; and a power button.
 21. The system ofclaim 20 wherein the memory comprises a non-volatile internal memoryconfigured to store the digital video footage captured by the digitalvideo image sensor.
 22. The system of claim 21 wherein the systemfurther comprises a removable memory.
 23. The system of claim 20 whereinthe USB data connector is configured to transfer the digital videofootage from the digital video camera to the personal computer via theUSB port of the personal computer.
 24. The system of claim 20 furthercomprising a resident software application stored in an internal memoryin the digital video camera, wherein the resident software applicationcontains code scripted to install compression-decompression software inthe personal computer upon connection of the USB connector to the USBport of the personal computer.
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein theinternal memory in the digital video camera further comprises code todecompress, decode, and display the digital video footage.
 26. Thesystem of claim 20 further comprising software code scripted to create athumbnail image associated with a digital video file, wherein thesoftware code is stored in the internal memory.
 27. The system of claim20 wherein the digital video camera further comprises a rocker switchhaving soft-key functions determined by a mode in which the digitalvideo camera is operating.
 28. The system of claim 20 wherein thepersonal computer comprises a display screen with a graphical userinterface.
 29. The system of claim 20 wherein the digital video camerafurther comprises a sliding latch coupled to the digital video camerabody.
 30. The system of claim 29 wherein the sliding latch is configuredto house at least a portion of the USB data connector.